Istrian Shorthaired Hound

Istarski Kratkodlaki Gonic, Istrian Shorthaired Scenthound

The Istrian Shorthaired Hound is a scenthound that was originally developed to hunt boar and deer. In more recent times it has more often been used against fox and hare. There is a second variety of Istrian Hound, the Wirehaired.

History of the Istrian Shorthaired Hound

Origin

History

Related Breeds

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Croatia

Slovenia

Middle Ages

Originating on the Istrian Peninsula in former Yugoslavia, the ‘ownership’ of the Istrian Shorthaired Hound has been disputed since this range is now divided into Croatia and ﻿Slovenia﻿. Although both countries laid claim to the breed, it is currently recognized as Croatian by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale. It is an ancient breed, believed to have descended from native European hounds and sighthounds brought from the Middle East by Phoenician traders. War in the later part of the 20th century caused their numbers to fall drastically, but for now the bloodline appears to be stable.